Today is National Pie Day! And to celebrate I’m giving away a signed copy of Michele Stuart’s “Perfect Pies and More” to one lucky reader. (See below for entry options and rules.) Pies are one of my absolute favorite desserts even though I don’t post them very often. I guess I’m just afraid of taking the photos, they’re a little more messy than a cupcake 🙂
But first of all, Valentine’s Day is coming up, and I asked Michele how to incorporate a love for pies into this day of love…
“As far as pies for love, we do that for Valentine’s Day at our shop.
The chocolate raspberry delight from the first book and the white chocolate raspberry swirl from the second book are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Also in the second book is a pie crust cut out cookie, which you can make heart shaped with a raspberry almond cream cheese filling.
Otherwise, anything chocolate always goes well for Valentine’s Day! Chocolate pecan bourbon, chocolate cream, or chocolate peanut butter dream are some great options!” -Michele Stuart
Michele Stuart’s Tips:
- Pie Weights Are Your Friend: Pie weights are used when prebaking a pie crust for a cream pie or any pie that involves a precooked filling. Pie weights keep the piecrust in place and stop air bubbles from forming when making prebaked shells. I prefer to use ceramic balls because they have more weight to them. If you do not have them, you can makeshift pie weights by using dried beans. Cut a piece of parchment paper into a square shape and place it on top of the rolled out, crimped pie shell. Next, place the pie weights – distributing them evenly on top of the parchment paper.
- Ice Cold Ingredients: When preparing your pie dough, always make sure all of your ingredients are ice cold before starting. I like to keep my Crisco in the refrigerator before I begin to mix my dough. Also, I put ice cubes in the water that I use to mix my dough. Once my dough is mixed, I wrap it tight in saran wrap and keep it cold until I am ready to use!
- To achieve the perfect evenly baked crust, always keep your oven racks at midlevel in your oven. Place your pie in the center of the oven during the baking process so that the entire pie bakes through evenly (in other words, to ensure your crust and filling are finished baking at the same time and you don’t end up with a crispy crust and undercooked filling). Rotating your pies during baking will also ensure you have an evenly golden brown baked crust.
- One of the tricks that my grandmother taught me in the kitchen was to always brush the edges and top of my crust with heavy cream. This will give the baked crust a golden brown finish and even make the crust flakier than it already is! If you don’t have heavy cream in the house, you can also use milk or half and half.
- Lattice Crust: Making a lattice top is not as intimidating as it sounds! Roll out a 10-inch circle on your surface. With a pastry wheel, cut 1-inch thick pieces so that you have 5 pieces. Place the pieces horizontally on top of your filling. Then roll out another 10 inch circle. Cut again 1-inch thick pieces so that you have 5 pieces. Take one piece at a time and weave the pieces in and out of the horizontal pieces. Do this until the entire pie has been completed. Trim off the excess pieces and crimp lattice strips to the crust.
- Fruit Pies: When baking pies in the oven, particularly fruit pies, I always suggest placing a sheet of parchment paper down on your baking sheet. This will help for an easy clean up. I used to spend hours cleaning and soaking my baking sheet. Now it is as easy as one, two, three!
As always, you can call the Pie Hotline M-F 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
1-877-FOR PIE TIPS (877-367-7438)
Giveaway Entry Options:
1. Comment below telling me your favorite pie flavor!
2. “Pin” any of Your Cup of Cake’s Valentines Day Recipes (1 entry for every “Pin” up to 3 times) and comment below telling me what recipe you pinned!
IMPORTANT: Make sure you leave a separate comment on this blog post for each entry!
Open to continental USA residents over age 18. Winner will be chosen by random and will be contacted by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim the giveaway. Giveaway closes Monday January 27th at 11:59 p.m. MST.
Christy Spurlock says
Peach is my favorite pie. I have made so many of your recipes and have never been disappointed.
Billie says
Do you have a good recipe for peach pie. I have been looking for a great one.
Annie Carron says
I’m a chocolate and peanut butter pie lover!!
Sabrina says
Coconut pie!
Sabrina says
I pinned 1!
Sabrina says
I pinned 2!
Sabrina says
I pinned 3!
donna says
I love the basics – a good ol’ apple pie.
Autumn H says
Some days lemon and some days sweet potato!
Autumn H says
Pinned chocolate raspberry cupcakes.
Autumn H says
Pinned pink confetti cupcakes.
Autumn H says
Pinned red velvet cupcakes.
Rebecca @ Dorm Room Baker says
I definitely have to put my vote in for pecan pie.
ronda says
StRaWbErRy RhUbArB Pies is awesomely tart, sweet, DELCIOUS
Billie says
Strawberry/rhubarb is my favorite also!!! Just made one last week. I buy a lot of rhubarb when it is in season & freeze it. Then I can have it any tome of the year!
Donna London says
I always have birthday pie instead of cake!
Nikki says
my favorite pie is probably cherry pie.
Nikki says
pinned Oreo red velvet cupcakes!
Nikki says
pinned Chocolate Cake Batter Cupcakes.
Nikki says
pinned Butterfinger Rice Crispy Treats.
Auntiepatch says
I pinned the giveaway http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225813368790008212/
Auntiepatch says
My favorite pie is coconut or lemon/pecan – it’s a tie between the two –
Danielle says
Pumpkin pie! I can (and do) eat it any time of the year! Key Lime and Chocolate Cream are up there, too. I have such a giant sweet tooth it’s really hard to pick.
Auntiepatch says
I pinned http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225813368790008247/
Auntiepatch says
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225813368790008281/
Auntiepatch says
I pinned http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225813368790008298/
Belinda says
I vote for Raspberry Key Lime Pie. I love the combination of the two.
I pinned for Red Velvet Rice Crispy Treat. Oreo Red Velvet Cupcakes and Double Red Velvet Cupcakes. Yummmmmmmmmmmm!
Lin Larson says
Belinda, make each of your pins a separate comment and then each one will be an individual entry. This will give you 4 entries. Otherwise this will be just one entry. Good luck!
Suzanne says
My absolute favorite pie is Key Lime Pie!
Lin Larson says
It’s a toss-up! My mother made wonderful pies and my favs were lemon meringue and cherry.
Lin Larson says
I pinned the Double Red Velvet Cupcakes!
Lin Larson says
I pinned Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes.
Lin Larson says
I pinned Easy Chocolate Cupcakes. YUM!!!
Amy Michelle says
Southern Chocolate Pean
Dawn Lloyd says
I pinned chocolate raspberry cupcakes
Dawn Lloyd says
I pinned Reese’s peanut butter cupcakes
Dawn Lloyd says
I pinned pink confetti cupcakes
Becky N says
Blueberry pie!
Joan Day says
Raspberry is my favorite pie flavor, but apple will probably be my choice when raspberry is available.
nicolette says
Key Lime Pie is divine any time of the day
LaVonne Klein says
Favorite pie; that’s tough. Tie between triple berry and Carmel Apple.
Lynn Lipchak says
My favorite pies are Banana Cream, Chocolate Cream, Coconut Cream, Lemon Meringue and Peach. All depends the mood I am in and who made the crust!
Sara B says
I love fruit pies, especially peach, strawberry, and blueberry. I look forward all year to when it’s time for those fruits to be in season again.
Brittney says
My most favorite of all is my grandma’s pumpkin chiffon pie…..it is to die for!!!!
Sherry Ward says
Not too many pies I don’t love, but I think the all time “fave” is Apricot, warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Oooh Lala!
Elaine says
My favorite is coconut, these recipes look so delicious!!!
Elaine says
I pinned 3 🙂
Clare Rumplik says
Favorite is good ole Apple pie
Clare Rumplik says
Banana blueberry bunt pinned
THELMA says
My favorite pie is pecan. & I also love custard .
.It was my sweet Mothers favorite pie & custard always makes me think of her. She has been in heaven since 1987. ♥
Kyla klopfenstein says
Pumpkin pie by far is my favorite
Karen says
My favorite, at least one of them is a good coconut cream pie!
Karen says
I pinned Almond Maraschino Cupcakes
Darlene says
Lemon meringue is my fave to make and eat! I pinned red velvet cupcakes!
Joanna says
I love pumpkin pie! I look forward to the holidays every year since that is when we eat it!
Darlene says
Pinned double red velvet cupcakes
Taja says
I like a lot of different pies,but my favorite is any with chocolate. I once made a chocolate chip cookie pie that was absolutely amazing!
Alecia says
Peanut Butter Pie!
I pinned Red Velvet Rice Crispy Treats: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/84864774201983582/
Karen Gentry says
My favorite pie is Chocolate Pie 🙂
Karen Gentry says
I pinned the Double Red Velvet Cupcakes. Love your site Lizzy!
Lela Thomas says
My favorite pie is Lemon Meringue!!!
jennifer says
Always love a good apple pie….just like mom’s!
Lisa says
Hard to pick a favorite! But I’ll go with a peanut butter or peach!
Misty says
I love Derby Pie!
Misty says
I pinned Almond Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes
Misty says
I pinned Blueberry Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes
Misty says
I pinned Fruity Pebbles Cupcakes
Lela Thomas says
I pinned Oreo Red Velvet Cupcakes
Allison says
I love chocolate cream pie best, but I love all the others too.
Allison says
Pinned the red velvet!
Allison says
Pinned the red velvet rice krispies treats as well. Yum!
Allison says
Pinned double red velvet. 🙂
KARIN says
Yum, cherry pie!
Leslie Thomas says
I love black cherry pie 🙂
Lynda M. says
My favorite pie is coconut cream – yum!
Kathy says
i love cherry pie!
Jessica says
I’m a northwest girl so my favorite pie has to be huckleberry!
Jessica says
I pinned Red Velvet Rice Crispy Treats 🙂
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/105975397455687975/
Jessica says
I also pinned Chocolate Cake Batter Cupcakes, those look so good!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/105975397455687983/
Beth says
Gotta be Key Lime!!!! Perfect combo of sweet and tart!!
Laura Wright says
Mystery Pecan Pie! 😀 ♥
Raeann says
I would have to say my favorite is Apple Pie.
Kathy says
I PINNED 3!
Laura Wright says
I pinned the Reeses’ Cupcakes! Yummy!!!
Laura Wright says
I also pinned the Oreo Red Velvet Cupcakes 🙂
Laura Wright says
I also pinned the “his and her cupcakes” – super cute ideas!
Theresa says
Lemon meringue. Oh Yea!!!!
Becky Berrett says
French Silk Pie
barbara n says
I love all pies…especially pumpkin, pecan, apple, blueberry, cherry……..
Carrie says
Cherry is my favorite of all time….but I do love pumpkin, french silk, cheesecake, key lime….oh my the list goes on!!! LOL
Jacqui says
my favorite pie is banana cream pie!
Kristen says
Love coconut cream!!
Margaret S says
My favorite pie is Buttermilk
Michelle R. says
My favorite pie is chocolate pecan.
Michelle R. says
I re-pinned Red Velvet Puppy Chow
Michelle R. says
I re-pinned Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Michelle R. says
I re-pinned Red Velvet Cupcakes
Kathryn Williams says
I love chocolate pies! All kinds of chocolate pies!
Renee says
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes look so delicious!!
Renee says
I re-pinned Peanut Butter Oreos too. Love chocolate and peanut butter!
Ellie says
I love every type of pie! But if I would have to choose, I would say pecan pie:)
Danielle says
My favorite is Key Lime Pie or my great grandmother’s Coconut Cream Pie. Old recipes are the best 🙂
Joan Day says
I pinned Chocolate Raspberry cupcakes #1.
Joan Day says
I pinned Strawberry Malt cupcakes #2.
Joan Day says
I pinned Chocolate Cake Batter cupcakes #3.
Jamie says
Lemon is my absolute favorite pie!
Stacey says
Banana cream pie is my absolute favorite.
Cara says
My favorite pie flavor is apple!
Lelia Reynolds says
I love peach pie and raspberry.
Kathryn Williams says
I pinned Strawberry Pina Colada Cupcakes
Zach Willard says
Gotta love me some good old apple pie!
Stacey says
I pinned your double red velvet cupcakes (1).
kim pinto says
I luv all flavors of pie…even the ones I haven’t tried yet (like rhubarb lol) this looks like a nice book…thx for the giveaway oppty!
Mokhina A. says
I love peach pie!!
Mo says
I pinned your Red Velvet Rice Crispie Treats
Mo says
I pinned your Double Red Velvet Cupcakes
Mo says
I pinned your Pink Confetti Cupcakes
Doreen says
I love good apple pie and fresh strawberry pie!
Sharon M says
I’d have to go with the ‘classic’ apple pie. Definitley love anything with chocolate and strawberry
Sharon M says
Repinned Double Red Velvet Cupcakes-I just love how you’ve incorporated the mix into the frosting, can’t wait too try, very clever
Sharon M says
Repined the Oreo Red Velvet cupcakes, these look yummy and super creative
Sharon M says
Repinned Red Velvet RKT, again, love how you incorporated the Red Velvet
Megan says
Lemon Meringue!!!
kathy d says
coconut cream pie
Mimi says
It’s a tie between chocolate cream and banana cream!
Jenn@eatcakefordinner says
My favorite pie is Banana Cream by far!
ann says
My fav is peanut butter or pecan.
Debbie H says
I love pies but if I have to name just one I guess it would be sour cream lemon.
Kristin t says
Peach pie!
Shelly says
I love French silk pie!
Carol says
pecan pie
Hogs'n'Quiches says
Honestly, I love most all pies! The only one I have a hard time with is rhubarb because I just can’t do that bitter tart taste even though Key Lime is a favorite as is Shaker Lemon. OH! My mom used to make the most delicious Buttermilk Pie so I will go with that one. 😉
Jen Romano says
Apple Pie!
Jen Romano says
PInned Double Red Velvet!
Jen Romano says
Pinned Oreo Red Velvet
Jen Romano says
Pinned Reese’s Penut Butter Cupcakes!
Cami Reschke says
Banana Cream with shortbread crust!
Cami Reschke says
Pinned pink confetti cupcakes.
Cami Reschke says
Pinned red velvet cupcakes.
Cami Reschke says
Pinned red velvet oreo cupcakes.
Amy S. says
I love cherry pie.
Amy S. says
I pinned the double red velvet cupcakes.
Brenda Bunch says
I love chocolate pie
van p says
I think apple pie is probably my favorite but haven’t found a good strawberry or mango one that will top the apple pie.
Belinda says
I pinned for Red Velvet Rice Crispy Treat.
Belinda says
I pinned for Oreo Red Velvet Cupcakes.
Belinda says
I pinned for Double Red Velvet Cupcakes.
Shyanne says
Anything with chocolate sooooo French Silk Pie!!
Jessica S. says
My favorite pie is pumpkin pie! ^^
Lisa says
Tollhouse pie – yummy!!
Jeanette Timmons says
My favorite pie is German Chocolate Cream
Cassie says
My favorite is chocolate and peanut butter!
Cassie says
I pinned the double red velvet cupcakes
Cassie says
i pinned the red velvet rice krispie treats
Cassie says
i pinned the red velvet cookies with cream cheese filling
Micki says
Chocolate Meringue. The Best.
Brenda says
Key Lime with a graham cracker crust.
Micki says
I pinned your Double Red Velvet. perfect for Valentines Day.
Micki says
I pinned Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes with Candy Cane Crunch
Micki says
I pinned Almond Marashino Cherry Cupcakes. I think they are the prettiest ones for Valentines day.
Holly says
Cherry pie!
Teresa says
Peach pie!
Melina says
PEACH! My all time favorite pie
Angela M says
Sour cream apple pie is my favorite! It’s my great-grandmother’s recipe. Amazing!
Angela M says
pinned strawberry malt cupcakes
Angela M says
pinned red velvet cake batter cupcakes
Angela M says
pinned double red velvet cupcakes
Denise says
Hands down, Coconut Cream Pie!!! But, if I’m offered any other type, I sure won’t turn it down. ;D
Charlene says
I love apple pie, but my boyfriend likes pumpkin; because of this we switch which pie we get each time we need one.
lyn says
i love apple pie
lyn says
I pinned your pink confetti cupcakes
jamie says
Chocolate silk
Kadee says
Strawberry rhubarb and apple raspberry are my favorites!!
Marie Genna says
Hands down the classic apple pie is my favorite. Your Carmel Apple Pie recipe is one of my favorites!